The UNHCR has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating violence in eastern DRC, revealing over 400,000 people displaced this year alone. Human rights violations have increased, severely impacting the safety of civilians. The UN Human Rights Office also warned of the catastrophic risks posed by potential attacks on Goma. There is an urgent need for immediate humanitarian access and de-escalation of tensions to protect vulnerable populations.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating violence affecting civilians and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a briefing held in Geneva, spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh revealed that the number of newly displaced individuals has surged to over 400,000 this year, highlighting a significant increase in conflict-related displacements.
Saltmarsh emphasized that the ongoing clashes in South and North Kivu are exacerbating the already dire situation for civilians, who face numerous human rights violations including looting, injuries, and kidnappings. The spokesperson noted that hospitals are nearing capacity and that vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and the elderly, are experiencing overcrowded living conditions with severely limited access to essential resources.
Moreover, humanitarian access to aid is significantly hindered, particularly to regions like Minova, where all routes are blocked. The UNHCR has called upon all parties involved in the conflict to allow immediate and unrestricted access to those in urgent need of assistance, stressing the critical need for peace in the DRC for the welfare of its people and the broader region.
In addition, the UN Human Rights Office has raised alarms regarding the potential attack by the M23 armed group on Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani noted that such an assault could lead to catastrophic consequences for the civilian population, further exposing them to human rights abuses.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been characterized by protracted conflict, significantly impacting civilian safety and displacing millions. Particularly in the eastern regions, violence has escalated with numerous armed groups active, including M23. The ongoing instability has rendered humanitarian efforts extremely challenging, leading international organizations, such as the UNHCR, to express heightened concerns over civilian protection and health care access. Recent reports have indicated a surge in the number of internally displaced individuals, prompting calls for immediate action from both national and international stakeholders to restore peace and security. The UN has also scrutinized the involvement of external actors in the conflict, emphasizing the necessity for all parties to de-escalate tensions and adhere to humanitarian laws.
The United Nations continues to sound the alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where increased violence threatens the lives and well-being of civilians. With the number of displaced persons rising alarmingly, the UNHCR calls for urgent humanitarian access and the protection of those in dire need. Moreover, the potential for attacks on key locations like Goma raises further concerns about the catastrophic effects on civilian populations. Immediate and collaborative efforts are essential to restore peace and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
